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DEX/NEX/EDI & bMobile Route Software
Many retailers require their suppliers to use DEX, EDI and/or NEX for delivering and receiving transactional documents in a digital format. Such paperless communication benefits both ends of the supply chain, retailer and DSD distributor. For the DSD vendor (route sales and pre sales), bMobile Route Software can provide all necessary software, hardware and technical support to fulfill the distributor’s digital format needs, while still maintaining full compliance with evolving UCS standards. bMobile Route Software uses Industry Best Practices to establish DEX information flow between the DSD distributor and their DSD clients.
ABOUT DEX/UCS
If you're new to DEX technology it may be helpful to understand some of the DEX history. DEX (direct exchange) is a form of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). The term EDI encompasses a host of technologies that communicate electronic forms between suppliers and buyers. DEX is now used almost exclusively for Direct Store Delivery (DSD).
Large retailers were the initial force behind the technology development. A more efficient method was needed to recieve inventory, validate price and accept invoices from multiple vendors. The electronic transfer of purchase and delivery information could be could be completed much more quickly than with handwritten forms -invoices,purchase orders,etc.
DSD suppliers quickly realized that using DEX was a huge benefit for them as well. Their drivers could get in and out faster, and the DEX system allows for immediate reconcillition of delivery information with the customer. This virtually eliminated order discrespancies and invoicing errors, both of which are time consuming, non productive, and costtly. It is truly a cost effective technology for DSD vendor and customer.
The concept of DEX is simple. At the time of delivery, the DSD vendor uploads the invoice directly into the retail store’s warehouse computer system and confirmation of the order is returned to the supplier. The vendor typically uses a handheld computer and DEX cable to connect to store's system through a DEX receptacle near the loading dock or rear door.
During the data upload, a predetermined set of documents is exchanged between supplier and customer. The documents are selected by the retailer and contain information requested by the retailer. Because the communication is between two computer systems, a common data language is required. This standard language is identified as UCS, or Uniform Communication Standard. The UCS standard is established by the governing organization GS1 (formally known as UCC), a non-governmental, non-profit organization.
In order to clearly identify this standard, DEX is often referred to as DEX/UCS. The documents exchanged between the vendor and customer can include more than the standard delivery and receipt. The documents and data contained in those documents can vary between retailers. Each document is assigned a UCS code, so the DSD vendor clearly understands what is being requested. The vendor's software must be able to convert their information into these requested formats. In turn, the vendor's software must be capable of converting the returned data back into the data language used by their office system.
TERM DEFINITIONS
DSD DistributionDSD (direct store delivery) refers to a wholesale distributor who delivers their products (food, beverage, grocery, etc) directly to a retail location, bypassing the retailer’s warehouse or logistics center.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is a computer to computer exchange of business documents in a standardized data format. The term does not refer to any specific standard of electronic commerce, but rather encompasses a host of different standards and technical specifications for passing information electronically between suppliers (DSD distributors) and retailers; were as the retailer’s computer communicates with the DSD distribution vendor’s computer.
UCS (Uniform Communication Standard) is an EDI standard designed specifically for trading partners within the grocery industry (food, beverage & other consumables). This standard establishes the types of information communicated and the format in which that information is to be exchanged. UCS was originally initiated by the grocery industry, but is now being used by thousands of companies - manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and brokers. UCS has also been adopted by companies in the alcohol beverage, broker, convenience store, food service, mass merchandising, wholesale drug, service merchandising and public warehouse industries. |
DEXDEX (Direct Exchange) is a DSD technology system used to exchange delivery/receipt information of food/beverage/grocery products. DEX is comprised of specialized hardware and software, used by the DSD distributor and retailer, to allow delivery data to be exchanged. The more accurate term for this technology is UCS/DEX, which identifies it as a system specifically for the DSD industry (DSD distributor and grocery retailer). This is a “back door” or “receiving dock” system. During a delivery, the driver (DSD distributor) makes a “direct” connection to the retailer’s computer system to through a data receptacle installed near the loading dock or rear door, using a handheld computer and a data cable. The distributor’s system and retailer’s system exchange information, making any adjustments for discrepancies in quantity or price. After all data is reconciled, the DSD distributor then transmits the digital invoice directly into the retailer’s system.
NEX NEX (Network Exchange) is another EDI method to exchange order information between a DSD distributor and a retailer. Unlike DEX, the NEX process links the office computer network of the supplier (DSD distribution vendor) to the retailer’s network and is capable of communicating much more information. Also, a NEX communication does not necessarily need to be with the retail location, but may be received by the retailer’s main office or billing office. The NEX communication process is typically initiated when the retailer submits an order to the DSD distributor. The distributor confirms the request and replies with an invoice (in most cases). After the delivery is completed and confirmed, the invoice is processed. |
Testimonials
"bMobile made the integration painless and the transisiton to the new system absolutely painless. Productivity has improved at almost every level in sales and inventory control."
ADAM FINE, President
Fresh Beer, Inc.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
